Nikolaos Varotsis | Technological Change | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nikolaos Varotsis | Technological Change | Best Researcher Award

Lonian University | Greece

Dr. Nikolaos Varotsis is a multidisciplinary researcher whose work spans tourism management, behavioral economics, and knowledge management, focusing on how individuals, tourists, and organizations make decisions under complex socio-economic and informational conditions. With 203 citations, an h-index of 8, and an i10-index of 8, his research output demonstrates strong and steadily growing academic influence in both tourism studies and behavioral sciences. His contributions advance understanding of tourist information search behavior, destination brand equity, cultural tourism development, and digital entrepreneurship within the tourism sector. Drawing from behavioral economics and social simulation methodologies, Dr. Nikolaos Varotsis investigates mental accounting, organizational motivation, tax behavior, and the interplay of psychological, economic, and social factors influencing tax planning and tax compliance. His work also provides significant insights into telecommuting performance, work–family conflict, and public sector attitudes during the COVID-19 era, along with fiscal foresight models, shadow economy reduction strategies, and e-payment institutionalization. In tourism research, he has produced influential studies on information service management, wedding tourism decision motives, alternative tourism models for island destinations, and quality standards in hospitality services. His publications appear in respected journals such as Cogent Business & Management, Journal of Convention & Event Tourism, Nonlinear Dynamics Psychology and Life Sciences, Journal of Economic Structures, Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, and Theoretical Economics Letters. Dr. Nikolaos Varotsis diverse research interests continue to evolve around tourism behavior, social simulations, organizational change, knowledge management, and the integration of behavioral insights into tourism innovation and public administration.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Varotsis, N., & Mylonas, N. (2024). A systematic literature review on information service management and information-seeking behavior in tourism. Cogent Business & Management, 11(1), 2385731.

  • Mylonas, N., Varotsis, N., & Vozinidou, I.-M. (2024). Unveiling the relationship between travel decision motives and destination brand equity in wedding tourism. Journal of Convention & Event Tourism, 25(2), 233–248.

  • Kontogeorgis, G., & Varotsis, N. (2022). Cultural tourism in developed island tourist destinations: The development of an alternative tourism model in Corfu. Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism, 13(2), 490–503.

  • Varotsis, N. (2022). A fiscal policy foresight tax model, shadow economy reduction, and e-payment institutionalization as a result of knowledge management. Theoretical Economics Letters, 12(6), 1710–1728.

  • Varotsis, N. (2022). Exploring the influence of telework on work performance in public services: Experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, 24(3), 248–263.

Ibrahim Dalbudak | Indexing Techniques | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ibrahim Dalbudak | Indexing Techniques | Best Researcher Award

Usak University | Turkey

Mr. İbrahim Dalbudak is a distinguished academic and Associate Professor in the Department of Sports Management at Uşak University’s Faculty of Sports Sciences, whose career is defined by a profound commitment to sports science, particularly in the realm of adaptive sports and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. His academic journey, rooted in Physical Education and Sports Teaching, was solidified with advanced degrees where his seminal research investigated the psychological profiles including emotional intelligence, aggression, and stress levels of visually impaired athletes, establishing a foundational focus that continues to inform his work. An exceptionally prolific scholar, Mr. İbrahim Dalbudak has authored a substantial body of research published in numerous international refereed journals, exploring diverse themes such as the psychological well-being of athletes with disabilities, motivation, nutrition, and the broader socio-economic aspects of sports. His dedication extends beyond publication through active mentorship as a supervisor of graduate theses and participation in significant national and international projects, including pioneering research on implementing the DIR model to teach sport and life skills to hearing-impaired children. Complementing his research and teaching, he has demonstrated significant leadership by occupying crucial administrative positions such as Director of the Research and Application Center, Manager of the Disabled Unit, and membership on the University Senate. This blend of scholarly excellence, dedicated mentorship, and administrative service underscores a career consistently devoted to understanding and promoting the holistic benefits of sports, with a specialized and impactful emphasis on ensuring athletic participation is accessible and beneficial for disabled individuals, thereby championing inclusivity within the field.

Profile: Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Dalbudak, İ., Yilmaz, T., & Yigit, Ş. (2020). Nomophobia levels and personalities of university students. Journal of Education and Learning, *9*(2), 166–177.

  • Afyon, Y. A., Mülazimoğlu, O., Celikbilek, S., Dalbudak, İ., & Kalafat, Ç. (2021). The effect of Tabata training program on physical and motoric characteristics of soccer players. Progress in Nutrition, *23*(S2), e2021255.

  • Dalbudak, İ., & Yigit, Ş. (2019). Hearing impaired students’ attitudes towards physical education and sports. Journal of Education and Training Studies, *7*(9), 55–60.

  • Dalbudak, İ., Gürkan, A. C., Yigit, Ş. M., Kargun, M., Hazar, G., & Dorak, F. (2016). Investigating visually disabled students’ attitudes about physical education and sport. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, *11*(16), 9437–9447.

  • Dalbudak, İ., & Yaşar, Ö. (2021). Study of the social acceptance and self-esteem levels of high school students who do sports towards disabled students. Journal of Educational Psychology – Propositos y Representaciones, *9*.

  • Dalbudak, İ., & Yiğit, Ş. (2021). Technology use attitudes of teachers in the field of special education. Propósitos y Representaciones, *9*(SPE2), 1014.

  • Dalbudak, İ., & Yiğit, Ş. (2019). Evaluation of healthy lifestyle behaviors of B2-B3 visually impaired people doing sports. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science.

  • Dalbudak, İ., & Balyan, M. (2021). The relation between psychological wellness and perception of success of high school students doing sports. Revista on line de Política e Gestão Educacional, *25*(2), 1432–1450.

 

Sara Migliorini | Innovation Impact | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sara Migliorini | Innovation Impact | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor From University of Verona, Italy

Sara Migliorini is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in data management, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain technology. Since 2019, she has served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Verona. Her expertise lies in processing and analyzing large datasets for predictive modeling and developing recommendation systems, with a strong focus on the tourism and agrifood sectors. Migliorini is also deeply involved in exploring the potential of blockchain technology in information systems and IoT devices. She has significantly contributed to numerous scientific projects, serving as both a team member and principal investigator. Notably, she leads the PNRR iNEST Spoke 7 smart-agrifood project, focusing on data traceability through blockchain integration and analysis. Her prolific academic output includes 31 scientific articles published in international journals, 50 conference papers, and three monograph chapters. Beyond her research, Migliorini plays a vital role in coordinating and directing research grants at the University of Verona. Her dedication to technological innovation and practical application of advanced data analysis techniques makes her a prominent figure in the fields of AI, data science, and blockchain, driving impactful research with practical industry relevance.

Professional Profiles

 Education 

Sara Migliorini holds a distinguished academic background in computer science, underpinned by her specialized expertise in data management, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology. She completed her Ph.D. in Computer Science from a reputed institution, where her research focused on large-scale data processing and predictive modeling. During her doctoral studies, she honed her skills in data analytics, machine learning, and recommendation systems, laying the foundation for her future academic and professional pursuits. Prior to her doctoral degree, Migliorini earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science, both with honors, demonstrating her exceptional academic performance and analytical abilities. Throughout her academic journey, she actively participated in collaborative research projects, contributing to publications and conferences. Her strong educational foundation has equipped her with the technical proficiency and theoretical knowledge essential for her research endeavors. Her continuous engagement with advanced technological fields, particularly in the domains of data integration, AI, and blockchain, reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and innovation. This academic trajectory has not only shaped her expertise but also positioned her as a leading figure in computer science research, inspiring her students and peers with her technical depth and scholarly contributions.

 Professional Experience 

Sara Migliorini has built an extensive professional career characterized by her expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, and blockchain applications. Since 2019, she has been an Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science at the University of Verona. In this role, she has been actively engaged in both teaching and research, mentoring students while leading and contributing to various scientific projects. Her research portfolio spans predictive data analysis, recommendation systems, and AI-driven solutions tailored to the tourism and agrifood sectors. Additionally, Migliorini has played a key role in exploring blockchain’s potential for enhancing data traceability in IoT and information systems.

Beyond her teaching responsibilities, she has collaborated on numerous scientific grants, often serving as the principal investigator. She has successfully coordinated over ten research grants at the University of Verona, overseeing projects related to data integration and AI applications. Currently, she leads the PNRR iNEST Spoke 7 smart-agrifood project, where she spearheads blockchain-based data traceability initiatives. Her professional career is marked by a commitment to technological advancement and applied research, making her a prominent figure in the field of computer science. Her expertise continues to drive innovation, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world technological applications.

 Research Interest 

Sara Migliorini’s research interests revolve around data science, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology, with a strong focus on their practical applications in various industries. Her primary area of expertise lies in the management, processing, and analysis of large datasets for predictive modeling and the development of recommendation systems. She is particularly interested in applying AI-driven analytics to the tourism and agrifood sectors, where data insights can enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

Migliorini is also deeply involved in blockchain technology, specifically investigating its integration into information systems and IoT devices. Her work in this area focuses on enhancing data traceability, security, and reliability, which are crucial for applications in agrifood supply chains and smart systems. She is particularly intrigued by the convergence of AI and blockchain, exploring how these technologies can be combined to create transparent, secure, and efficient data ecosystems.

Her ongoing research in the PNRR iNEST Spoke 7 smart-agrifood project exemplifies her commitment to applying blockchain technology for large-scale data traceability. With a forward-thinking approach, she continues to explore emerging technologies, contributing to innovative solutions that address real-world challenges through advanced data analysis and secure technology frameworks.

 Research Skills 

Sara Migliorini possesses a robust skill set in data science, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology. She is highly proficient in data processing, predictive analytics, and the development of recommendation systems, making her a key contributor to advanced data-driven projects. Her expertise includes applying machine learning algorithms and AI models to extract insights from large datasets, particularly for predictive and prescriptive analytics in the tourism and agrifood sectors.

In addition to her data analysis capabilities, Migliorini is skilled in blockchain technology, with expertise in integrating it into information systems and IoT platforms. She specializes in designing and implementing blockchain-based solutions for data traceability, ensuring transparency and security in data management. Her technical skills also extend to programming languages such as Python and R, as well as data visualization tools, enabling her to develop and present complex data models effectively.

Her proficiency in grant writing, project management, and team coordination has allowed her to lead multiple research grants successfully. With strong analytical skills, a problem-solving mindset, and a forward-looking approach to technology, Migliorini continues to expand her skill set, making significant contributions to the fields of AI, data science, and blockchain innovation.

 Awards and Honors

Sara Migliorini’s outstanding contributions to data science, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology have earned her numerous awards and honors. As a leading researcher in the field, she has been recognized for her innovative work on data processing and predictive analytics. She has received prestigious research grants and funding from the University of Verona, where she serves as the scientific director for multiple projects. Her role in coordinating and leading over ten research grants highlights her expertise and dedication to advancing technology-driven solutions.

In addition to her grant leadership, Migliorini’s impactful research has been acknowledged through various accolades in academic conferences and symposiums. Her scientific publications, including 31 journal articles, 50 conference papers, and three monograph chapters, have garnered significant recognition, cementing her reputation in the academic community.

Her involvement in the PNRR iNEST Spoke 7 smart-agrifood project, where she leads the blockchain data traceability research, has further enhanced her standing as an influential figure in the field. Migliorini’s commitment to research excellence, combined with her innovative contributions, continues to earn her well-deserved honors, positioning her as a prominent and respected academic in data science and emerging technologies.

Conclusion 

Sara Migliorini is a distinguished academic and researcher whose expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology has made a significant impact in both academia and industry. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Verona, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership by spearheading multiple scientific projects, mentoring students, and publishing extensively. Her contributions to data processing, predictive analytics, and blockchain traceability highlight her ability to apply advanced technologies to solve real-world problems, particularly in the tourism and agrifood sectors.

Her innovative research skills, coupled with her proficiency in AI, data science, and blockchain applications, have earned her recognition in the academic community. Through her work on the PNRR iNEST Spoke 7 smart-agrifood project, she continues to drive technological advancements, promoting transparency and efficiency in data management.

Migliorini’s dedication to technological innovation, academic excellence, and real-world application of cutting-edge research makes her a leading figure in her field. Her continued efforts to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical solutions solidify her reputation as a visionary academic, committed to advancing technology for the benefit of society.

 Publications Top Notes

  1. Enhancing Business Process Models with Ethical Considerations

    • Authors: B. Amico, Beatrice; C.K. Combi, Carlo K.; A. Dalla Vecchia, Anna; B. Oliboni, Barbara; E. Quintarelli, Elisa

  2. Augmentation Techniques for Balancing Spatial Datasets in Machine and Deep Learning Applications

    • Authors: A. Belussi, Alberto; D. Garofolo, Diego; S. Migliorini, Sara

  3. A Generic Machine Learning Model for Spatial Query Optimization based on Spatial Embeddings

    • Authors: A. Belussi, Alberto; S. Migliorini, Sara; A. Eldawy, Ahmed

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 2

  4. A Survey on Data Availability in Layer 2 Blockchain Rollups: Open Challenges and Future Improvements

    • Authors: M.B. Saif, Muhammad Bin; S. Migliorini, Sara; F. Spoto, Fausto

    • Year: Not specified

    • Citations: 3

  5. Promoting Sustainable Tourism by Recommending Sequences of Attractions with Deep Reinforcement Learning

    • Authors: A. Dalla Vecchia, Anna; S. Migliorini, Sara; E. Quintarelli, Elisa; M. Gambini, Mauro; A. Belussi, Alberto

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 3

  6. A Learning-Based Framework for Spatial Join Processing: Estimation, Optimization, and Tuning

    • Authors: T. Vu, Tin; A. Belussi, Alberto; S. Migliorini, Sara; A. Eldawy, Ahmed

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 2

  7. Efficient and Secure Distributed Data Storage and Retrieval Using Interplanetary File System and Blockchain

    • Authors: M.B. Saif, Muhammad Bin; S. Migliorini, Sara; F. Spoto, Fausto

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 6

  8. Blockchain-Based Multirole Authentication and Authorization in Smart Contracts with a Hierarchical Factory Pattern

    • Authors: M.B. Saif, Muhammad Bin; S. Migliorini, Sara; F. Spoto, Fausto